Review Detail

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Puny Pirates

Middle Grade Fiction 183

Soccer AND Chocolate!

July 20, 2016 (Updated: June 29, 2026)

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Charlie is glad that he is on the same soccer team with his friends Hector and Tommy, but not thrilled with the fact that the team is the Pirates, who aren't very good. Their coach is very demanding, and won't let players become "stars"-- everyone should have a chance. It also isn't a great idea that the team sells chocolate bars to sell money. The boys think that the bars are awfully tasty, and before they know it, they owe the team for one hundred bars that they have given away or eaten! With the help of their families, the boys learn that being part of a team takes a lot of work, both on and off the field.

Good Points

I love Charlie, and have enjoyed seeing him grow and mature throughout this series.There is a great balance of humor and life lessons. I especially liked the inclusion of the candy bar fundraiser, and the fact that Charlie and his friends do not handle their responsibilities any better than any other young child would! Very well done, and so much soccer than I didn't understand a lot of it. (Which will make soccer players adore it!

One of the best things about these books is Charlie's intact, supportive family positive role models, problems that actual students face, and sense of humor.

Hand this one to fans of Cheesie Mack, Charlie Joe Jackson and Phineas L. MacGuire will be glad to add Charlie Bumpers to their list of literary best friends.